Buying the perfect gift for a girl turning 13 can feel like walking a tightrope. You’re balancing between what they like now and what they’ll think is cool in five minutes. These teens in training are full of surprises; today it’s unicorns, tomorrow it’s everything neon. You want to make sure your birthday gift for girl best friend under 100 is going to bring the kind of smile that takes over her whole face. So, what do you buy for young ladies standing on the precipice of teen life?

A diary is an awesome choice, but not just any diary. We’re talking one with a lock and key that could guard state secrets! It gives her a private place to pen her wildest dreams, her silliest crushes, or her most cringe-worthy school moments. Sure, one day she’ll read it and roll her eyes, but that’s part of the fun, right?

Then there’s the world of tech. You might grab something techy, but not boring like a math app. Think along the lines of a fun gadget—a mini projector, or wireless earbuds in her favorite color. Gadgets that let her create or listen to her heart’s content. And don’t forget those adorable phone accessories. Anything sparkly or with a catchy theme gets her excited and dialing her friends faster than you can say “selfie.”

Enter jewelry, the timeless birthday charm. Not anything gaudy or overly mature, but something dainty and fun. A bracelet with trinkets symbolizing pastime passions, or a necklace with her initials. Every time she wears it, she’ll remember her fabulous birthday. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little bling now and then?

Remember, bookstore wanderings are also treasures. Graphic novels are manna for many; her current obsession might just be there waiting to be discovered. You’d be surprised how quickly a captivating story can disappear into the hands of a young reader. Or grab one of those inspiring books filled with quotes and a good dose of teenage wisdom.

Let’s not toss aside artsy stuff. Craft kits can stir creativity with endless possibilities. A DIY bracelet set, a painting kit, or even one of those make-your-own bath bomb collections. Not only does she get the joy of making something, but she also has fabulous results to show (and smell).

You know what else lights up her big day? Subscription boxes. A three-month subscription of teen beauty products or book club packages is like a gift that keeps giving. Month after month, she’ll get a fresh batch of goodies right to her door, and it’s like opening that birthday surprise on a regular Tuesday.

For an adventure, you could gift her an experience. Maybe a concert ticket to see her favorite band, a cooking class with a twist, or even a fun day outing. Memories like these usually submerge a cute little keepsake. Experiences are like planting seeds of stories she’ll tell a decade from now.

Don’t forget the power of personalized tablets. A water bottle with her name seems simple, but it could become her trusty sidekick. Personalized presents scream thoughtfulness, and they create a priceless bond between gift-giver and receiver.

The task of buying a birthday present for a 13-year-old girl is a dance. It’s keeping pace with her joys, her quirks, and the twirl of her interests. A little bit of pizzazz, a dose of today’s fads, and perhaps a sprinkle of something durable make for the birthday package she’ll cherish. You’ll know you picked the right thing when a grin stretches across her face wider than the horizon.